Official Documents

Birth Certificates and Social Security Information

St. Francis provides a keepsake birth certificate for all babies. This is not the official state birth certificate. In the hospital, you will be given paperwork to complete for the state birth certificate. You can complete this paperwork at home and mail it in, or you can apply for your baby's state birth certificate online at the SCDHEC website. We suggest that you order two short forms and two long forms for your baby.

While in the hospital you also will be given paperwork to apply for your baby's Social Security Number. Your nurse will collect this paperwork before you are discharged and you will receive a Social Security card in the mail within several weeks. 

Insurance

There is a lot going on following the birth of your baby, but don't forget to add your baby to your health insurance policy. Most insurance companies require notification within 30 days of birth.